Intel inks out India PC plans

Full steam on World Ahead

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Paul Otellini, president and CEO of Intel, used a visit to India to add details to the firm's plan to sell a lower priced PC in the country.

Intel will work with HCL, Millennium, PCS, Wipro and Zenith Computers to make machines which will be 20 per cent cheaper than its current entry-level machine, which sells for $220, according to Reuters. The machines will be available within two months.

The chip giant is also backing Microsoft's FlexGo strategy - letting some users rent or lease access to a computer which they pay for using vouchers or cards. Intel is also working with ICICI Bank to help people borrow money to buy new computers.

Intel is partnering with Indian ISP and telco Tata VSNL to provide wireless internet access at railway stations across the country.

Otellini said only two per cent of Indians have a PC or internet connection.

The announcements are all part of Intel's "World Ahead" program to protect market share in emerging markets "enhance lives by accelerating access to uncompromised technology for everyone".